92 FREE business networking events in October you need to know about

Free business events in London this October

Working parents face a lot of extra hurdles in business, especially if you’re starting your own company. Launching requires hours of dedication, hard work and commitment; a tall order when your little angel is throwing a tantrum next door.

Parents In Business is a (kid-friendly) coffee event for working mums and dads, grandparents, and step-parents. It’s designed to help you feel less isolated, swap ideas, and work on your projects. It takes place at two locations South and North of the Thames:

• Glyndon Community Centre on 15 Oct at 10:00am
• St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre on 21 Oct at 11:00am

Other free London business events in October include:

• LDN Tech Morning at BrainStation (1 Oct at 8am) a chance to hear from seasoned tech entrepreneurs about how they broke into the industry, plus free coffee. Mingle with fellow founders hoping to turn their tech venture into a reality.
• City Schools Conference – Ethical AI in Education at TBC (1 Oct at 8:30am) a talk on the ethics and safety of using AI in education. An excellent opportunity for AI or EdTech professionals. Location revealed after sign-up.
• Tech Talks: from insights to impact at Tramp, 40 Jermyn Street (2 Oct at 9am) a chance for hospitality leaders to meet and discuss how technology can revolutionise the industry (could robot waiters be here soon?)
• Speed Mentoring at British Library Business & IP Centre (2 Oct at 10am) we’re looking for a man in finance. Specifically, a hot date with various finance experts at the British Library, who will teach you how to manage your business with online accounting, cash flow forecasts and financial checklists.
• Gen Z and the City at St. Paul’s Cathedral (8 Oct at 6:30pm) no it’s not a sequel to SATC. This is a panel discussion featuring employers and HR experts, who will examine the values driving young people (18 to 25 years old) and their work practices. TBC if Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte will be in attendance.
• UCL Climate Cuppa at UCL Institute of Advanced Studies (9 Oct at 2pm) UCL’s brightest and best discuss all things environmental, ahead of Biodiversity COP16. Ideal for sustainable business leaders (and includes free coffee and pastries).
• Accelerator Demo Day at Queen Elizabeth II Centre (29 Oct at 10am) over 100 world-leading startups in the sustainability space will showcase their ideas at this grand exhibition. Virtual tickets are also available for those not based in London.

Free business events in Newcastle this October

Geordies are a caring bunch. This October, Newcastle entrepreneurs who want to do good can attend a series of Social Enterprise Boost workshops to learn more about Corporate Social Governance (ESG) and what it means in today’s business landscape.

Taking place at Enterprise Central, 65 Westgate Road, the combined workshops will give social entrepreneurs the tools they need to support their local community. The events are:

• Community Voice in Social Enterprise (2 Oct at 10am)
• Confidence and Self Belief for Social Entrepreneurs (10 Oct at 10am)
• Measuring impact: Toms, Big Society & SDGs (22 Oct at 10am)

Other free Newcastle business events in October include:

• Empowering Retail Workshop at Eldon Square (2 Oct at 10am) with hands-on expert-led demonstrations and interactive discussions, this event promises to give retailers a better understanding of how tech can revolutionise their business.
• Generator Live Conference at The Assembly Rooms (4 Oct at 11am) the coolest networking event you will ever attend. Hosted with BBC Music, Generator Live is a must for any professional wanting to make big soundwaves in the music industry.
• STEMFest 2024 Networking Breakfast at Beacon of Light (8 Oct at 8am) inspire young people to pursue STEM careers and share some business cards at the same time at this free catered event for businesses in tech, manufacturing, and cyber.
• Business Brunch at Sea Change Cafe & Arts (8 Oct at 10am) plate up a sourdough toastie and pour yourself a flat white; this is a tasty collaborative event for creative entrepreneurs to chat, trade tips, and visit a popular local spot.

Free business events in Leeds this October

Throughout October, Leeds Entrepreneur Accelerator will be running a series of workshops in partnership with NatWest to help educate budding business owners on how to take that first leap into starting a company. Each session will take place at 2 Whitehall Quay.

• How to develop your sales process on Oct 9 at 2:30pm 
• How to build a 12-month marketing plan on Oct 16 at 12:30pm
• Funding workshop on Oct 23 at 10am

Things get less serious on Thursdays, when there will also be an Accelerator Social taking place at 3:30pm. No agenda, just turn up and take the opportunity to get together, share experiences, and feel the support of the community at these informal morning events.

Other free Leeds business events in October include:

• Ada Lovelace Day: Celebrating Women in Tech at Platform (8 Oct at 10am) a day of presentations on the importance of inclusivity in tech, including panel discussions and networking sessions with STEM Leaders.
• The Athena Festival at Nexus Leeds (15 Oct at 9am) an all-day event dedicated to empowering female founders who are based outside of the London bubble. Includes all the hallmarks of a brilliant business event, including pitching events, workshops, and mentor meetings. A real must for any Yorkshirewoman in business.
• Leeds Roadshow at Royal Armouries Museum (16 Oct at 10am) an event for Leeds-based growing small businesses seeking finance, run by the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
• SME Leaders Forum at Leeds University Business School (23 Oct at 3pm) running three times a year, this forum aims to empower entrepreneurs by giving them a space to speak about their venture. October’s session will be MC’ed by Lily Newman, Behavioural Strategist, Leadership Consultant and Motivational Speaker.
• How to build a balanced business at Leeds Central (28 Oct at 9:45am) a smart session designed to help motivated business owners take a step back and plot out their growth journey in a way that avoids stress and burnout.

Free business events in Sheffield this October

We’re big fans of Business Sheffield at Startups. The organisation does a lot for its local entrepreneur community and it’s one of the reasons we named the South Yorkshire city the best place to start a business in the UK (outside London).

In October, it will play host to no fewer than seven workshops and panel discussions designed to supercharge Sheffielders ambitions. All of them will take place at the Electric Works building in central Sheffield. They are:

• Social Media 101: Master the Basics! (11 Oct at 10am)
• Meet the Local Experts (15 Oct at 5:30pm)
• Workshop for Women 1: Empowerment Through Wellbeing (16 Oct at 10am)
• Mastering Paid Social Media Ads (18 Oct at 10am)
• Workshop for Women 2: Unleash Your Entrepreneur Potential (22 Oct at 10am)
• Net Zero for your business (24 Oct at 9:30am)
• Accountancy 121 (25 Oct at 9am)

Other free Sheffield business events in October include:

• Sheffield AI: Generatively Maybe at Hideaway (1 Oct at 6pm) it might have an Oasis pun in the title, but this event is about looking forward, not back. An evening of AI talks for future and futuristic business owners based in Sheffield.
• Networking Lunch with Morgan Killick at Electric Works (3 Oct at 12pm) as the winner of Sheffield’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year award, Killick will share his expertise on how to be a successful social founder over a light bite.

Free business events in Manchester this October

• Build A Business: Intellectual Property at BIPC Seminar Studio (1 Oct at 9am) registering your IP is one of those secret steps that can trip up many new business owners. Find out how to take care of your business secrets in this morning seminar.
• Good Employment Conference at Mechanics Institute (10 Oct at 8:45am) is a one-of-a-kind event dedicated to exploring the latest trends and strategies in creating a thriving workplace. Perfect for those seeking to grow their team this year.
• Innovations in Live at Flexible Space (11 Oct at 4:30pm) live music is one of the most exciting new areas of tech. If you’re in the music sector, come along to see how new technologies are being applied in real-world settings by Manc startups.
• Impact Forum: Manchester at People’s History Museum (15 Oct at 9am) By mid-October a new government will have been in power for an initial 100 days. Business owners are invited to attend this event to discuss the changing business landscape, and how new ventures can help to service these shifting plates.
• Tech Companies to Watch 2024 at Bruntwood SciTech (17 Oct at 5:30pm) a celebration of the North’s fast-growth tech startups, hosted by Prolific North. Come along to see who the investors are shouting about. Could you be there next year?

Free business events in Liverpool this October

• Ai & Tech Networking L’pool at Matou Pan Asian Restaurant (1 Oct at 6pm) four tech professionals will promote their business ideas to local leaders, fellow entrepreneurs, and skilled noodle chefs at this delicious pitching event.
• InTune Networking at Clockwork Offices (7 Oct at 5pm) musicians and creatives are invited to tune into this new event dedicated to fostering collaboration in Liverpool. Come along for the world’s most professional jam session ever.
• Black Professional Afterwork Drinks at Revolución de Cuba (8 Oct at 6:30pm) an opportunity for black professionals in Liverpool to loosen their ties and connect with likeminded people in a relaxed environment after the 5pm finish.
• Everything Digital: Liverpool’s Tech Story at Hope St Hotel (16 Oct at 1pm) a party which anyone in the Liverpool tech scene is invited to. Learn more about the city’s vibrant tech and digital sectors, and mingle with some important faces.
• Women in Tech Monthly Co-working Event (24 Oct at 9:30am) whether you’re a developer, designer, entrepreneur, or tech enthusiast, this event is for female Scousers to come together, share ideas, and support each other.

Free business events in Birmingham this October

October is Black History Month, and with it comes the Birmingham Black Business Conference 2024. Taking place at the city’s Legacy Centre Of Excellence on 19 October at 10am, the event welcomes some of the UK’s most renowned black business leaders to offer advice, links and resources for both startups and established companies alike.

Other free Birmingham business events in October include:

• Female Founders, are you investment ready? at Natwest Accelerator (2 Oct at 12pm) an event for women in the early stages of starting a company and looking to understand the various funding options available in the West Midlands.
• Brummies Networking at Grosvenors Casino (8 October at 11am) a monthly networking session for ‘stripped-back’ conversations fuelled by free teas and coffees. No need to impress; just turn up and meet with local, friendly founders.
• IT Expo at Millennium Point (15 Oct at 9am) 30 leading technology brands will base themselves in a supersized exhibitor zone. Join them to ask questions, swap business cards, and learn more about the Midlands’ growing tech sector.
• Social Connect & Share at NatWest Accelerator Hub (15 Oct at 5pm) for all entrepreneurs dedicated to solving a social, cultural, or environmental issue. Connect with others and share resources over a tasty early evening spread.
• People, Planet, Pints at The Good Intent, Birmingham (24 Oct at 6pm) sink a pint to stop the Earth from sinking. A relaxed pub meet-up for sustainable founders, hosted at the brand new buzzing bar, The Good Intent.
• Business Boost Networking Breakfast at The Prince’s Trust (25 Oct at 7am) one for the early risers (or the night owls), this breakfast meet-up takes place before a larger ticketed day conference, but the networking event is free to attend.
• Quit Your 9-5 at Radisson Blu Hotel (26 Oct at 12pm) want to leave the shackles of employment behind and start your own business? Learn how to create an online course and start your own business in this three hour masterclass.
• Next Gen Makers Conference at Matthew Boulton College (30 Oct at 9am) do you want to start a company, but are struggling to find engineering talent? This conference will explain how to recruit the next generation so you can hire right.
• Mind On My Money, Money On My Mind at x+why Foundry (31 Oct at 6:30pm) a safe space for Black founders to discuss the topic that makes all Brits uncomfortable: money. Learn about cash flow and risk management. No stupid questions here!

Free business events in Nottingham this October

• HR seminar at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (8 Oct at 9:30am) you might be a small business now, but growing firms need to think about HR soon if they are to become a safe and legal employer. This seminar will explain all the NTKs of employment law.
• CAKE at Dryden Enterprise Centre (9 Oct at 2:30pm) a sweet treat for business owners to chat informally and share knowledge. This month’s session is about all things angel investment (disclaimer: despite the name, cake is not actually provided).
• Nottingham Starting in Business at NBV Enterprise Centre (10 Oct at 9:30am) a two-day programme of workshops led by one of our experienced business trainers, who will teach you the nuts and bolts of starting and running a successful business.
• Work the Room Like a Pro at Cosy Club (24 Oct at 10am) feeling nervous at the idea of networking with a bunch of strangers? This workshop is a great opportunity to flex your networking muscles and practise small talk in an informal, friendly setting.

Free business events in Cambridge this October

• Fundraiser Meet Up at The Moat House (2 Oct at 3pm) fancy a free tea, a coffee, and a chat from financial experts about how to win funding for your next business? Visit this fundraiser meet up that pledges to be both fun and informative.
• Black History Month at Cambridge Judge Business School (17 Oct at 12:30pm) Black entrepreneurs based in East Anglia are invited to attend a lunch, panel discussion, and showcase of the best Black business talent the region has to offer.
• Go Meet at 95 Regent Street (29 Oct at 11am) is a regular in-house event that this month features business coach Neil Barbour as its guest speaker. Barbour will be on hand to chat through what business coaching is, and how it can help entrepreneurs.
• You can also become a Cambridge student for an hour by signing up to the many free lectures and talks available on the University of Cambridge event website. 

Free business events in Oxford this October

• OxBOoSt Network [Virtual] (1 Oct at 4pm) an online meetup for Oxfordshire businesses looking to connect, collaborate, and share ideas. Each session features 5-8 pitchers, followed by networking time away from the mic.
• Funding Matrix at Oxford University Museum of Natural History (2 Oct at 5pm) a funding conference aimed at startup leaders. The event ends with an expo where attendees can connect with brands like Seedrs, Barclays Bank, and British Business Bank. Sorry, could you help me pick up the names I just dropped?
• Sales Club at Oxford Eagle Labs (9 Oct at 10am) a workshop dedicated to striking that all-important balance between selling yourself, and listening to the customer. In short, a sales seminar about how to be less ‘salesy’.
• Start-up Huddle at Business & IP Centre, Oxford Westgate Library (17 Oct at 6pm) invites two participants to present their business, followed by a Q&A and mingling time, during which attendees can trade local knowledge, tips, and insights.
• Entrepreneurs should also check out the University of Oxford’s free public lectures for business tips and talks from the experts.

Free business events in Bristol this October

Bristolians can attend three back-to-back intensive business workshops at Bristol Central Library as part of the city’s ‘Ready, Steady, Grow’ series. The series is led by local experts, and covers fundamental topics such as:

• SEO and analytics (7 Oct at 10am)
• Bookkeeping (9 Oct at 10am)
• Selling (16 Oct at 10am)
• Business numbers (21 Oct at 10am)

Other free Bristol business events in October include:

• South West Founders at Runway East (2 Oct at 6pm) is a monthly meet-up for people based in the South West who have been, are, or want to be tech startup founders. Meet up, share ideas, and walk the tech runway in no time.
• SETsquared Bristol: Impact Masterclass at Engine Shed (7 Oct at 2pm) you want to make a difference, but you aren’t sure how. This masterclass will help you to articulate your mission statement and get your idea out into the world.
• Building a talent strategy at Engine Shed (7 October at 4:30pm) designing a recruitment process for the modern day requires forward planning. This seminar will get your brain whirring about what skills you need for growth in years to come.
• International expansion roundtable at Engine Shed (8 Oct at 12pm) taking yourself abroad takes enough planning, let alone a business. Join CEOs and thought leaders for a roundtable discussion on how to expand overseas ethically and safely.
• Bristol CleanTech Innovators at 4 Unity St (3 Oct at 6pm) a lean, green networking team for entrepreneurs and innovators that are driving the city’s (or country’s) Net Zero transition. Come meet and mingle with like minded folk.

Free business events in Cardiff this October

• Investors + Innovators Meet Up Cardiff at Tramshed (1 Oct at 6pm) is one in a series of informal catch-ups designed to help businesses rub shoulders with the invest-stars. This month’s theme is greentech; ideal for entrepreneurs wanting to use advanced solutions to combat the climate crisis.
• TekCurious at Hodge House (8 Oct at 5:30pm) another informal meet up for Cardiff-based tech entrepreneurs hosted in the Grade II-listed building, Hodge House. Meet your fellow business owners face-to-face, and enjoy a free plate.
• Meet and Mingle at Cardiff Metropolitan University (8 Oct at 6pm) a networking night by the heavy hitters (Centre for Entrepreneurship, Welsh ICE, Alacrity Foundation and Tramshed) to help SMEs from South Wales form new connections.

Free business events in Edinburgh this October

• Meet the Buyer at Space Solutions (1 Oct at 4pm) in today’s world, you can do business with someone for years without meeting them. Meet the Buyer connects suppliers, contractors, and tradies in-person to help them build stronger bonds.
• Unfiltered Edinburgh at CodeBase Ltd (2 Oct at 8:30am) an unorganised event for tech entrepreneurs in Edinburgh. Founders can drop-in for a casual chat and a slice of toast, and then slip off upstairs to hotdesk at CodeBase’ coworking facilities.
• eCommerce Growth Collective at Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel (9 Oct at 6pm) says “Join us for an evening of drinks and canapés with panoramic views of the Castle as we discuss the biggest things on the ecomm horizon”. Sold!
• Founders Live at CodeBase Ltd (17 Oct at 6pm) a pitching competition where mistakes are encouraged. Five founders are invited to speak about their business for 99 seconds, before answering a live audience Q&A for four terrifying minutes. Whichever side of the stage you’re on, this one promises to be fun!
• Scottish Ethnic Minority Talent Summit at Tynecastle Park (31 Oct at 9am) a  five-day summit that unites stakeholders to explore the critical issue of building and managing a thriving multicultural workforce. From local employers to esteemed academicians, corporate giants to dedicated nonprofits, and government agencies at all levels, this event promises to be a catalyst for innovative ideas and best practices.

Free business events in Glasgow this October

The Royal Bank of Scotland will be hosting three workshops for Glaswegian entrepreneurs this October as part of its Accelerator. Taking place at the Accelerator Hub, fourth floor, they will provide plenty of useful information, as well as networking opportunities. They are:

• Selling workshop on 9 Oct at 10am
• Selling pitch club on 10 Oct at 2pm
• Investment pitch club on Oct 24 at 2pm

Other free Glasgow business events in October include:

• 8 Networking Coffee Morning APR at The Alchemist (16 Oct at 9:30am) a business club organised for those who’d rather be at a cocktail bar. If you’re visiting an 8 networking session for the first time, you’ll be able to attend for free.
• Meet the Buyer at Space Solutions (2 Oct at 4pm) like its sister event in Edinburgh, this is all about linking up the supply chain to ensure better communication, contact, and community among Glasgow-based tradies.